Chinese military has begun deploying tanks and other armored vehicles near the Myanmar border.  According to numerous witnesses, around 700 Chinese soldiers along with armoured vehicles and air defence systems will now head to Myanmar border area.

Photos from the sources showed a long column of vehicles, including armored personnel carriers, armoured rescue vehicles and construction vehicles in single file on a dual carriageway.

Intensified fighting between ethnic rebel groups and government forces in northern Myanmar has forced several thousand to flee into China’s southern province of Yunnan, raising concerns in Beijing about border security.

The clashes and reports of stray munitions flying into Chinese territory have stirred up a debate online, with some calling on authorities in China to do more to help resolve the conflict and aid efforts in Myanmar to forge reconciliation.

Given China’s economic interests in conflict areas near the border, there are limits to what can be done, analysts said, but also signs as well that Beijing may be looking for a new approach.